1st Essay

For the first essay I am going to analayze the article, "The Culture of Thin Bites Fiji," by Ellen Goodman. I think it is very interesting how big of a role the media plays on women's body images and can easily influence a culture in such a negative way. Television and media in western culture have created an ideal image of what women should look like. When brought to Fiji, a country that formerly accepted and praised a heavier body type, an increase in eating disorders and self esteem issues arose. It's shocking how one country's perspective on things can influence another's. I chose this essay because it is very relevant to today's society in America. Girls, from a young age, are taught and told that thin = pretty. This creates many problems as girls are always trying to fit in and be accepted. Women in the media are often unnaturally thin and airbrushed in magazines, have stylists and make up artists for red carpet events, and personal trainers and nutritionists to keep fit. It's interesting how much of an influence the media has on women's perspective on what is pretty and what is accepted.